- Addressing the public in Lamu on Monday, the Opposition Chief termed these narratives, circulated in local dailies, as both false and regrettable.
- The reports had suggested internal strife within the coalition, particularly focusing on the Orange Democratic Movement.
Image: FILE
Azimio la Umoja Coalition Leader Raila Odinga has refuted claims that the alliance is on the verge of collapse.
Addressing the public in Lamu on Monday, the Opposition Chief termed these narratives, circulated in local dailies, as both false and regrettable.
The reports had suggested internal strife within the coalition, particularly focusing on the Orange Democratic Movement.
“There is no truth to the rumours propagated by certain sections of the media. Azimio remains robust and is not facing any threat of disintegration,” Raila clarified.
Having acknowledged that post the 2022 general election, a few legislators chose to align with President William Ruto, Raila emphasized that this did not signify a rift within the coalition.
The ODM leader reassured supporters that differing opinions on certain issues within Azimio do not equate to a breakdown of the coalition.
“There may be sometimes disagreements of opinions on one issue or one another but that does not mean disintegration,” Raila added.
In addition, Raila stressed that Azimio has maintained its solidarity since the 2022 elections and remains committed to its mission of liberating the country from what he terms tyranny and irresponsibility.
“Our vision for liberation and responsible governance remains unwavering,” he affirmed.
Leaders’ political interests in the 2027 general election are said to have rocked the coalition in what further threatens its existence.
The latest signal of trouble in Azimio was the absence of all the Azimio principals at the memorial for Raila Odinga's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
On Saturday, Odinga's family, led by ODM chief Raila, hosted leaders in Kisumu to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of their father.
Not a single Azimio principal attended.
Only Mama Margaret Kenyatta, the wife of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, attended the event.
No other Azimio principal attended.
Uhuru and Kalonzo were both in Kinshasa for the inauguration of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi.
Kalonzo was represented at the Kisumu event by Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua.
At the centre of the split is also the bipartisan report that Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua and her DAP-K counterpart Eugene Wamalwa disavowed.
Karua and Wiper leader Kalozo Musyoka have since clashed publicly, exposing the bad blood.
University don Herman Manyora said that while it’s too early to tell of a split in Azimio, the leaders are under intense political pressure from their supporters, thus the infighting.
“Each of these leaders has a following. And they must be seen to be fighting for a position early enough. That’s what has caused what we are seeing,” he said.